Stylish Actuaries Explode Assumptions

Inspired by the British movie Calendar Girls, Old Mutual Actuaries have decided to destroy stereotypes, o­ne month at a time, by launching the Old Mutual Actuarial Society (OMAS) 2011 calendar.

“We aim to prove that actuaries are not just gifted boffins, but also fun, witty and even glamorous people,” says Pamela Hellig, Chairperson of the 2011 OMAS committee.

The ‘whiz kids’ pose in fun-loving ways, bringing to life relevant themes for each month of the year – for example Nomathibana Matshoba, who is pictured wearing rugby boots to emphasise the Rugby World Cup final due to be played in October 2011.

Hellig, who brings Guy Fawkes day up to date in November, says that they are hoping to set the standard for future actuarial students to develop a yearly calendar that is a “must-have” and can even be used to raise funds for charity.

Old Mutual’s actuarial programme is overseen by Gary Palser, the company’s Chief Actuary.

He chuckles at the creative intent of the calendar to debunk the traditional image of actuaries as relentlessly conformist types.

“One of the many exciting facets of South Africa is how it can confound your expectations. Our new breed of actuaries is stylish, energetic and full of feisty humour. These guys and girls are helping to explode assumptions about the profession. There is incredible talent coming through and we're thrilled to be involved in nurturing it,” he says.

For more information about the Calendar, Exposure 2011, contact Pamela Hellig at [email protected]